Support Gideon Moi, Gachagua urges Kalenjin leaders

Kanu chairman Gideon Moi during a meeting with Kalenjin elders at his Kabarak home on October 23, 2026. [Daniel Chege, Standard]

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has urged the Kalenjin community to support Kanu Chairman Gideon Moi's political journey and join the opposition, saying political differences with President William Ruto should not be interpreted as hostility towards the entire community.

Speaking on Wednesday at his Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri County, where he hosted delegates from Gilgil, Gachagua said the opposition remained open to working with leaders from all communities in its quest to challenge the government.

He also welcomed Gideon Moi into the opposition, describing him as a leader capable of helping advance the interests of the Kalenjin community.

Gachagua said the opposition's differences with President Ruto should not be used to isolate the community from the country's political affairs.

“Let the Kalenjins not feel like we are isolating them. We only have a problem with William Ruto,” he said.

He argued that the political dispute was with an individual and not the community from which the President comes, warning against blaming an entire ethnic group for the shortcomings of its leaders.

“No community has robbed any other. Our only problem is one person. It is only that he happens to come from one community and we cannot profile that community because of his shortcomings,” Gachagua said.

The former Deputy President urged the Kalenjin community to identify a leader who will represent its interests in the opposition. He added that Gideom is fit for the job. He urged them not remain on the sidelines as political realignments ahead of the 2027 General Election gather pace.

“Look for one of your sons and give us so that you do not remain behind. Gideon Moi is a great leader; he should come and work with us,” he said.

His remarks come weeks after Gideon Moi publicly criticised President Ruto for failing to honour his promises. Moi said Ruto had failed to fulfil commitments made during negotiations that led him to withdraw from the Baringo senatorial by-election in 2025.

During a meeting with elders from different Kalenjin sub-tribes at his Kabarak home in Nakuru County, Moi revisited his decision to step aside from the contest, saying he had acted in good faith.

He said he believed the discussions with the President would help resolve stalled development projects in Baringo County.

However, he accused the President of failing to fulfil the promises he said had been made during the negotiations.

Gachagua's latest remarks signal an attempt by the opposition to court the Kalenjin community.

Gachagua's appeal comes as opposition leaders continue to explore alliances ahead of the next General Election, with the question of regional representation emerging as a key factor in the push to build a formidable political coalition.